Where to go during 2024 year end school holidays in Singapore?
Travelling abroad during the year-end school holidays is a favourite tradition for many Singaporean families. It’s an opportunity to come together, bond and enjoy a well-deserved retreat after a year of hard work and study.
For those who were unable to secure flights to their favourite destinations or find the cost of family travel too steep, there are still plenty of exciting activities to explore right here in Singapore.
We’ve curated a list of ticketed and free activities in November and December 2024 that are perfect for children and teenagers:
| Event (Date) / Admission Fee Per Person (SGD) | Type | Prices from |
| Illumi Light Show (13 Sep 2024 – 2 Feb 2025) | Carnival / Exhibition | 25 |
| Changi Airport Sanrio Carnival (1 Nov 2024 – 16 Feb 2025) | Carnival | Free |
| Christmas on a Great Street (9 Nov 2024 – 1 Jan 2025) | Carnival | Free |
| Harry Potter: Visions of Magic in Singapore (22 Nov – 31 Dec 2024) | Exhibition | 49 |
| Anime Festival Asia (29 Nov – 1 Dec 2024) | Exhibition | 28 |
| Christmas Wonderland (29 Nov 2024 – 1 Jan 2025) | Carnival | 9 |
| World Christmas Market (5 – 26 Dec 2024) | Carnival | Free |
| Singapore Comic Con (7 – 8 Dec 2024) | Exhibition | 35 |
| Singapore Cat Festival (7 – 8 Dec 2024) | Exhibition | 6 |
| Paw Patrol Live in Singapore (12 – 15 Dec 2024) | Show | 58 |
| SG ToyCon (13 – 15 Dec 2024) | Exhibition | Free |
| Bookfest @ Singapore (Popular Book Fair) (13 – 22 Dec 2024) | Exhibition | Free |
| Sesame Street Christmas Quest (14 Dec 2024) | Run / Walk | 35 |
| EOY J-Culture Festival (21 – 22 Dec 2024) | Exhibition | 18.90 |
| New Year’s Eve (NYE) Countdown (31 Dec 2024 – 1 Jan 2025) | Carnival / Party | Free |
Illumi Light Show
Photos via Base Entertinament Asia / Website & Facebook
Illumi, a stunning nocturnal event featuring 20 million LED lights, is making its debut in Singapore. This immersive experience will transform the iconic Marina Bay skyline into a breathtaking display of larger-than-life structures and innovative light installations.
In addition to snapping photos with the dazzling light displays, visitors of all ages can enjoy meet-and-greets with the Illumi mascots, take a whimsical ride on the carousel, savour tasty treats ranging from fries to ice cream and shop for exclusive Illumi souvenirs.
Committed to sustainability, the event runs for just 4 hours daily, using energy-efficient LED lighting that reduces energy consumption while supporting eco-friendly initiatives.
- Venue: Bayfront Event Space (Beside Marina Bay Sands) [Map]
- Dates: 13 September 2024 – 2 February 2025 (Friday – Sunday)
- Time: 6:30pm – 10:30pm
- Admission Fee: From SGD 25 per person
- Note: The site is open daily from 6:30pm to 10:30pm, with the event itself starting at 7:15pm.
Changi Airport Sanrio Carnival
Photos via Christmas Changi Airport / Website
Changi Airport is hosting a festive Sanrio Carnival this year, bringing beloved cartoon characters like Hello Kitty, My Melody, Kuromi, Badtz-Maru, Cinnamoroll, Little Twin Stars, Pompompurin, and more to life throughout the school holidays and into the Chinese New Year season.
Don’t miss the chance to snap a photo with the towering 8-metre Hello Kitty statue, accompanied by charming installations featuring her friends scattered throughout the Departure Hall at Terminal 3, Level 2. On selected weekends, you can also meet and greet life-sized Sanrio mascots, creating unforgettable memories with your favorite characters.
As the evening approaches, enjoy magical snowfall moments that offer the perfect backdrop for family photos. It’s a truly enchanting experience for kids and kids at heart alike.
Be sure to also check out the main carnival area located at the far end of the Arrival Hall at Terminal 3, Level 1. Here, you’ll find a range of Sanrio-themed amusement rides and carnival game booths where children can play and win delightful plushies and exclusive Sanrio merchandise.
Photos via Christmas Changi Airport / Website
Additionally, a pop-up water theme park is making a splash right outside Terminal 3’s Arrival Hall, at the outdoor bus park, held in conjunction with the Sanrio Carnival.
Although not Sanrio-themed, this space-themed inflatable water park is a big hit with kids. They can enjoy bouncing on giant slides and splashing through the water as they slide down. Be sure to pack your kids’ swimming gear for a fun-filled, wet-and-wild adventure before or after exploring the Sanrio festivities at Changi Airport!
Photos via Christmas Changi Airport / Website
- Photos with Hello Kitty & Friends (Photo spots under the snow)
- Venue:
- Terminal 1, Arrival Hall, Level 1
- Terminal 3, Departure Hall, Level 2 (In front of Departure Immigration)
- Operating Dates: 1 November 2024 – 12 February 2025
- Opening Hours:
- Terminal 1 – 24-hour daily
- Terminal 3 – 12:00pm – 9:00pm daily
- Admission Fee: Free
- Notes:
- Snowfall and festive performances are available on select dates and times. Click here for the full schedule.
- More Sanrio characters can also be found in Terminal 2 and Terminal 4.
- Venue:
- Sanrio Meet & Greet (Hello Kitty & Friends Mascots)
- Venue: Terminal 3, Departure Hall, Level 2 (In front of Departure Immigration)
- Operating Dates:
- 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, 16 & 17 November 2024
- 14, 15, 21 & 22 December 2024
- Event Hours: 3:45pm & 7:45pm
- Admission Fee: Free with minimum spend of S$50 at Changi Airport (S$80 at supermarket and Jewel).
- Notes: Ticket exchange is required via the Changi App. Sanrio characters will appear in pairs, and their appearance schedule for these dates can be found here.
- Sanrio Carnival (Games & rides)
- Venue: Terminal 3, Arrival Hall, Level 1 (Near McDonalds)
- Operating Dates: 1 November 2024 – 16 February 2025
- Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 10:00pm daily
- Admission Fee: Free entry; however, carnival games and rides are chargeable using Carnival Tokens.
- Cosmic HydroPark (Pop-up water theme park)
- Venue: Terminal 3, Arrival Hall, Level 1, Coach Bay (Exit from MvDonalds)
- Operating Dates: 1 November 2024 – 16 February 2025
- Opening Hours:
- (11 Nov 2024 – 1 Jan 2025) 11:00am – 9:00pm daily
- (2 Jan- 16 Feb 2025) 11:00am – 9:00pm on Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays only
- Admission Fee: 9 – 27 Carnival Tokens per person
- Notes:
- Tokens for the carnival are sold in denominations of S$20, S$50 and S$100 for 21, 55 and 100 Carnival Tokens respectively. They can be purchased via Changi App or onsite.
- Minimum spend of S$50 at Changi Airport entitles a shopper to 5 carnival credits. Eligible Changi Pay and Mastercard members will receive an additional 5 Carnival Credits. Terms and details can be found here.
- Age & height limits may apply for selected carnival rides.
Christmas on a Great Street
It’s that magical time of year again when the Orchard area is transformed into a festive wonderland, with shopping malls and streets sparkling with lights and decorations. Take a stroll down Orchard Road with the kids and be enchanted by the dazzling light displays and immersive augmented reality (AR) projections.
In addition to the mesmerizing light shows, Shaw House and Ngee Ann City will host Christmas Villages, offering carnival challenges, live music performances, delicious food, carnival rides, games and claw machines, all adding to the festive cheer. At Ngee Ann City, a spectacular 14-metre-tall Christmas tree will be the centrepiece, complete with two nightly snowfalls, perfect for photos.
To top it all off, Orchard Road will turn into a vibrant party zone this Christmas Eve! Live DJ performances will keep the energy high all night long as we count down to Christmas.
- Venue: Orchard Road [Map]
- Dates: 9 November 2024 – 1 January 2025
- Admission Fee: Free
Harry Potter: Visions of Magic in Singapore
Photos via Harry Potter: Visions of Magic / Facebook
Get ready for an enchanting experience like no other as <Harry Potter: The Magical Immersion> makes its debut in Asia! For the first time ever, this immersive art exhibition inspired by J.K. Rowling’s iconic fantasy series will premiere in Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa. Running from 22 November to 31 December 2024, the experience is set to coincide with the school holidays, making it the perfect holiday adventure for both children and the young at heart.
Step into the wizarding world and embark on a spellbinding journey where you’ll wield a wand to unlock “Visions of Magic”. The exhibition features ten meticulously designed immersive environments, each brimming with stunning multimedia installations, interactive video content and original soundscapes that bring the world of Harry Potter to life.
As you explore these enchanting realms, be sure to enjoy a refreshing Butterbeer, included with your ticket. This beloved drink from the Hogwarts student lounge, made with brown sugar and butter syrup, is the perfect way to toast to your magical journey.
- Venue: The Forum, Resorts World Sentosa, Level B1 [Map]
- Dates: 22 November – 31 December 2024 (Friday – Tuesday)
- Opening Hours: 11:00am – 10:00pm (last entry at 9:00pm)
- Admission Fee:
- Adult (13 & above): SGD 49 – 69 per person
- Child (4 to 12): SGD 39 – 59 per person
Anime Festival Asia
Photos via Anime Festival Asia / Website
This is a must-attend event for anime enthusiasts! Beyond the vibrant exhibition, where you can shop for games, comics, cosplay and anime merchandise, the festival also features separately ticketed concerts by the original singers of popular anime, flown in straight from Japan. Plus, there will be exciting Hololive meet-and-greets, cosplay showcases, gaming activities and a variety of delicious snacks available throughout the event.
More than just an exhibition, this festival is a true celebration of Japanese pop culture, a yearly gathering for like-minded fans to connect, share their passion and immerse themselves in all things anime!
- Venue: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Level 3 & 4 [Map]
- Dates: 29 November – 1 December 2024 (Friday – Sunday)
- Opening Hours: 10:00am – 8:00pm
- Admission Fee: From SGD 28 per person
Christmas Wonderland
Photos via Christmas Wonderland / Website
Back for its eleventh year, the Christmas-themed carnival at Gardens by the Bay is a beloved annual tradition, lighting up the season since 2014. In addition to classic carnival attractions like games, amusement rides, food stalls, and live music, the event’s true highlights are its stunning, Instagram-worthy light displays.
Don’t miss the breathtaking 20-meter-tall Spalliera, inspired by Italian Gothic architecture, the vibrant 50-meter Walk of Lights tunnel and the larger-than-life light installation featuring the adorable trio of Merry Bears, all perfect spots for festive photos.
As the saying goes, “Happy times come and go, but memories last forever”. Capture the magic with your loved ones and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Photos via Christmas Wonderland / Website
- Venue: Gardens by the Bay, Supertree Grove [Map]
- Dates: 29 November 2024 – 1 January 2025
- Opening Hours: 6:30pm | 7:30pm | 8:30pm | 9:30pm
- Admission Fee: From SGD 9 per adult, SGD 7 per child
World Christmas Market
Get ready for a spectacular food and retail extravaganza to kick off the Christmas season, making its debut at The Promontory @ Marina Bay. Other than indulging in global culinary delights, visitors can shop for Christmas gifts, decorations and festive trees at this festive fair.
The event will also feature a variety of fringe activities, including live music performances, storytelling sessions, handicraft workshops and immersive Augmented Reality tours, ensuring fun for everyone!
- Venue: The Promontory @ Marina Bay [Map]
- Dates: 5 – 26 December 2024 (Thursday – Thursday)
- Opening Hours:
- (Monday – Thursday) 5:00pm – 11:00pm
- (Friday – Sunday) 4:00pm – 11:00pm
- Admission Fee: Free
Singapore Comic Con
Photos via Singapore Comic Con / Website
The highly anticipated annual toys, games, and comics exhibition is back this December, featuring collections from over 100 talented creators! Browse and shop the latest limited-edition collectibles, and enjoy a range of exciting fringe activities, including video gaming, cosplay, live performances and a food fair.
Whether you’re looking to reward your child for good grades or find the perfect Christmas gift for an anime and manga fan, this is the ultimate destination for all things fun and festive!
- Venue: Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Level 1 & B2 [Map]
- Dates: 7 – 8 December 2024 (Saturday – Sunday)
- Opening Hours: 10:00am – 8:00pm (Early access pass holders get to enter the venue from 9:00am)
- Admission Fee: From SGD 35 per person
Singapore Cat Festival
For families with cats and children who adore them, don’t miss the annual Singapore Cat Festival! It’s the perfect place to shop for pet treats and supplies, as well as cat-inspired art, crafts and merchandise like phone cases, stationery, keychains, and more.
Enjoy a fun-filled cat show, plus a game carnival where kids can play and have a great time. And the best part? Cats are welcome to join the festivities too!
- Venue: Singapore Expo, Hall 6 [Map]
- Dates: 7 -8 December 2024 (Saturday – Sunday)
- Opening Hours: 10:00am – 8:00pm
- Admission Fee: From SGD 6 per person
Paw Patrol Live in Singapore
Photos via Marina Bay Sands / Website
The beloved children’s animation is coming to life this December as a live musical at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands!
Titled “The Great Pirate Adventure”, this 75-minute show follows Ryder and his team of pirate pups on an exciting journey to rescue Captain Turbot.
If your kids are fans of Paw Patrol, don’t miss this chance to see their favorite characters live on stage!
- Venue: Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands (MBS) [Map]
- Dates: 12 – 15 December 2024 (Thursday – Sunday)
- Show Times: 2:30pm (Thursday – Sunday), 6:30pm (Friday & Saturday), 11:00am (Saturday & Sunday)
- Admission Fee: From SGD 58 per person
SG Toycon
This annual event is a must-visit for collectors and enthusiasts of toy cars, fighter aircraft models, bus models and figurines. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover both the latest and vintage collectible items.
If your child isn’t into anime, manga, comics, or games, this offers a great alternative for finding that special year-end festive gift.
- Venue: Leisure Park Kallang [Map]
- Dates: 13 – 15 December 2024 (Friday – Sunday)
- Opening Hours: 10:00am – 8:00pm
- Admission Fee: Free
BookFest @ Singapore (Popular Book Fair)
Commonly known as the Popular Book Fair, this annual year-end event organised by Popular Bookstore is a must-visit for all parents with school-going children. It’s the ideal opportunity to replenish stationery supplies and stock up on assessment books in preparation for the new academic year, which begins in less than two weeks.
Building on the success of last year’s fair, this year’s event will be held at all 28 Popular outlets across Singapore for the second time, offering an even wider selection of books, stationery and other school essentials.
- Venue: All 28 Popular Bookstore outlets in Singapore
- Dates: 13 – 22 December 2024 (Friday – Sunday)
- Opening Hours: Varies according to outlets
- Admission Fee: Free
Sesame Street Christmas Quest
Join the fun and adventure at this exciting run and walk event, perfect for active kids! Starting from HarbourFront Centre, participants will embark on a Sesame Street-themed quest along a 3.4km route with 12 exciting checkpoints.
Get ready to exercise both your brain and legs, all while being joined by beloved Sesame Street characters like Elmo, Big Bird, Abby Cadabby, Grover, Oscar the Grouch and more!
- Venue: Harborfront Centre [Map]
- Date: 14 December 2024 (Saturday)
- Time: 8:30am – 1:00pm
- Admission Fee: From SGD 35 per person
EOY J-Culture Festival
Photos via EOY J-Culture Festival / Facebook
Returning twice as large as last year, this year’s exhibition will feature over 200 exhibitors who will share their love for Japanese pop culture through performances, cosplay, illustrations and photography. Initiated by fans, this grassroots festival offers a more affordable ticket option for those looking to celebrate J-pop culture.
If you missed Anime Festival Asia in November, this end-of-year event will be your final chance in 2024 to immerse yourself in J-pop culture and connect with fellow enthusiasts. While the festival may not feature major anime titles or internationally-known artists, it serves as a vibrant platform for local fans to come together, celebrate and share their passions.
- Venue: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Hall 405 & 406 [Map]
- Dates: 21 – 22 December 2024 (Saturday – Sunday)
- Opening Hours: 12:30pm – 8:00pm
- Admission Fee: From SGD 18.90 per person
New Year's Eve (NYE) Countdown Events
Celebrate the end of 2024 and welcome the arrival of 2025 in style by attending a memorable New Year’s Eve (NYE) countdown!
If you haven’t made plans yet, there’s a fantastic lineup of countdown events featuring dazzling fireworks displays across the island, from Marina Bay and Sentosa to Singapore Sports Hub and the heartlands.
Don’t miss the chance to usher in the new year with excitement, joy and festive cheer!
- Venue: Marina Bay, Sentosa, Singapore Sports Hub & Heartland
- Date: 31 December 2024 – 1 January 2025 (Tuesday – Wednesday)
- Opening Hours: Evening until midnight
- Admission Fee: Free / From SGD 2 per person
